Recovered vs. Recovering - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

RobC420 · 10-06-2012, 08:09 PM

The big book uses the word 'recovered' to describe alcoholics who are living sober through the spiritual principles of AA. However, in meetings I've attended there seems to be some reluctance for members to describe themselves as 'recovered'. Instead, many say they are actively 'recovering'.
I see the difference being that:

'Recovered' suggests that the person is done recovering. Their recovery from alcoholism is complete.

'Recovering' suggests that the person is actively recovering. That recovery is not/is never complete, but continues for a lifetime.

This theme comes up now and again and I give it some thought, but have never felt strongly either way. I'm curious how you describe yourself. Recovered? Recovering? Is it possible to be recovered? Is it only possible to be always recovering? Is there a point where you went from recovering to recovered?

sugarbear1 · 10-06-2012, 08:21 PM

I attend meetings where most people describe themselves as "recovered." I guess it's personal choice.

Gigabit · 10-06-2012, 08:57 PM

I always thought with AA you'd be 'recovering' forever, guess not!

I like the term 'retired alcoholic'

youbetcha · 10-06-2012, 09:33 PM

I use the term "recovering," it keeps me humble. It's worked for me since 1991.

Boleo · 10-06-2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobC420

This theme comes up now and again and I give it some thought, but have never felt strongly either way. I'm curious how you describe yourself. Recovered? Recovering? Is it possible to be recovered? Is it only possible to be always recovering? Is there a point where you went from recovering to recovered?

This question comes up every 2 -3 months around here and I always start off with the following warning message:

DUCK - INCOMING!

It almost always starts a heated debate which frequently has to be closed by one of the moderators before it turns into a all-out flaming war. Here is my experience with it. There is a big difference between recoverING and recoverED even though the words are almost the same.

RecoverING = needing to think about not-drinking.

RecoverED = not needing to think about drinking.

For those who have had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps:

"We will see that our new attitude toward liquor has been given us without any thought or effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality - safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is our experience. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit spiritual condition."
(page 85)

"We have recovered, and have been given the power to help others."
(page 132

However, there is one important caveat to keep in mind. Even though I can be recoverED from a gunshot wound, it does not make me bulletproof.

tomsteve · 10-07-2012, 01:35 AM

i have recovered from the hopeless state of mind that made me drink. i am still recovering from my thinkin though.

TheJungianThing · 10-07-2012, 02:49 AM

I like the way Steve B in an MP3 in Copenhagen or Denmark, I forgot which and maybe it was both described it. Like Tomsteve just said. The hopeless state of mind and body that guaranteed I'd drink has recovered.

But my thinking, the way I relate to my HP, the people around me and reality - will always require work. If I do the work, I get a stay of execution or as the book calls it a "daily reprieve". If I stop doing the work - it doesn't mean I'll be struck drunk, but eventually I"ll get in enough pain to where I need a solution.

What will that solution be ? A drink ? or ... Back to work through the 164 ?

I hope I don't leave the solution to find out.

muvinon · 10-07-2012, 04:12 AM

I have recovered from the hopeless state, alcoholism. However, part of my own spiritual fitness is to continue to grow, mature spiritually, and continue to change the way I react to life, so in that sense, I'm always going to be recovering.

And, yes, I agree that this is "one of those" debate questions.

I prefer to ask my higher power upon awakening, "OK, so is this one of those days when I'm recovered or am I going to be recovering today?"

Mark75 · 10-07-2012, 07:15 AM

It is so awesome, that our highway of recovery is so broad. That we can assume the posture of recovered and as long as we stay spiritually fit, through our own unique understanding of God, and don't drink, we can stay that way, recovered..... Or that we are recovering and that spiritually fit means, on some levels, that we see our journey of recovery as never complete.

There is room for all of us!

newby1961 · 10-07-2012, 07:18 AM

I was at a meeting kinda like the one Boleo referred to. There was a member that said, "When this topic comes up I have to not fall into the debate, and if I do it is like mind masturbation." My mind can really mess with me on this topic so as long as I know I can't pick up I guess to me it doesn't matter. I really love how Boleo put it when he said about the gunshot. Never heard it put that way but it is simple and my mind can grasp that so

Db1105 · 10-07-2012, 07:53 AM

I'm another who finds this debate a waste of time. It really doesn't matter to me what others do. All I know is that if I want to live, I can never drink alcohol again.

Jfanagle · 10-07-2012, 09:28 AM

I have a very dear friend, long time sober member of the fellowship who opens her sharing with the statement, "I am ......... a recovered alcoholic, recovered just for today." Semantics yes, but to me at least a reminder that one can be recovered, but must remain vigilant and active in living a life that adheres to the principals and practices of the examined life and be ever striving to be better today than we were yesterday.

Jon

paul99 · 10-07-2012, 01:00 PM

I use recovered, but I am not going to get into a battle royale with someone over a suffix. If they say they are "recovering" that's fine. Whatever it is I call myself, as long as I am sober, and living a spiritually fit life, helping others, then that's all that matters.

bbthumper · 10-07-2012, 01:20 PM

I prefer to go by the book. Im recovered. They use recovering one time in reference to a new man. The word recovered is used several times. In fact, in working with others we are instructed to "introduce yourself as a man who has recovered."

I feel it offers more hope to a newcomer to know they can recover.

I will never be cured, but I no longer suffer from a hopeless state of mind and body.

Tommyh · 10-07-2012, 06:23 PM

recovered and one day at a time,I can stay that way if I live 10-12 the best I can
recovered means the symthons have been removed

TheJungianThing · 10-08-2012, 12:27 AM

Peter M gives a good analogy.

If I get shot in the leg, I can recover. I'll be "recovered" from a gunshot wound.

Doesn't mean I'm bulletproof.

shaun00 · 10-08-2012, 02:09 AM

My mind and body is no longer in a hopeless state.

Ive had a monumental shift in my thinking and outlook.

I am a recovered alcoholic....

Some may have a problem with this .... maybe they hear the word "cured".

CarolD · 10-08-2012, 01:45 PM

After 10 AA years I noticed I was thinking of myself as recovered..and have continueed to do so now on year 23

In meetings before I share I say...."Carol here alcholic "

I don't care how others identify themselves...just glad to see
them in the program...

yeahgr8 · 10-08-2012, 04:31 PM

I am recovered...no way am i getting into a convo with a non-alcoholic and saying recovering!

My mental obsession was lifted from me and i recovered.

I've met lots of people that say they are recovering and it generally is based on fear, God forbid you should say you are recovered because then the booze bogeyman (the devil, the voice, whatever) might come and make you drink a beer to teach you a lesson and before you know it you have relapsed...i mean c'mon read the BB it's all in there on how to recover:-)

Lily · 10-09-2012, 01:08 PM

I personally called myself "recovering" for over 20 yrs in and out of the rooms. It wasn't until I truly had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps that I was able to call myself "Recovered."

This has happened in my life!

"We will see that our new attitude toward liquor has been given us without any thought or effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality - safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is our experience. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit spiritual condition."
(page 85)

10-06-2012, 08:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
RobC420 Euphoric Recaller Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PHX Suburbs Posts: 371	Recovered vs. Recovering The big book uses the word 'recovered' to describe alcoholics who are living sober through the spiritual principles of AA. However, in meetings I've attended there seems to be some reluctance for members to describe themselves as 'recovered'. Instead, many say they are actively 'recovering'. I see the difference being that: 'Recovered' suggests that the person is done recovering. Their recovery from alcoholism is complete. 'Recovering' suggests that the person is actively recovering. That recovery is not/is never complete, but continues for a lifetime. This theme comes up now and again and I give it some thought, but have never felt strongly either way. I'm curious how you describe yourself. Recovered? Recovering? Is it possible to be recovered? Is it only possible to be always recovering? Is there a point where you went from recovering to recovered? __________________ O, the body is so heavy...how do we move it.... how do we survive it -HSJ

10-06-2012, 08:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
sugarbear1 ~sb Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: MD Posts: 9,865	I attend meetings where most people describe themselves as "recovered." I guess it's personal choice. __________________ Someday everything will all make sense. For now, laugh at confusion, smile through tears, & remind yourself that everything happens for a reason. All Big Book quotes are from the first edition. Linked with the permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

10-06-2012, 08:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
Gigabit Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 71	I always thought with AA you'd be 'recovering' forever, guess not! I like the term 'retired alcoholic' __________________ There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way." - C. S. Lewis

10-07-2012, 01:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
tomsteve Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: northern michigan. not the U.P. Posts: 3,102	i have recovered from the hopeless state of mind that made me drink. i am still recovering from my thinkin though. __________________ all big book quotes from 1st edition

10-07-2012, 09:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
Jfanagle Another Day in Paradise Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Upland, CA Posts: 789	I have a very dear friend, long time sober member of the fellowship who opens her sharing with the statement, "I am ......... a recovered alcoholic, recovered just for today." Semantics yes, but to me at least a reminder that one can be recovered, but must remain vigilant and active in living a life that adheres to the principals and practices of the examined life and be ever striving to be better today than we were yesterday. Jon __________________ Indecision may or may not be my problem!

10-06-2012, 09:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
youbetcha Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ct. Posts: 69	I use the term "recovering," it keeps me humble. It's worked for me since 1991.

10-07-2012, 02:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
TheJungianThing Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 443	I like the way Steve B in an MP3 in Copenhagen or Denmark, I forgot which and maybe it was both described it. Like Tomsteve just said. The hopeless state of mind and body that guaranteed I'd drink has recovered. But my thinking, the way I relate to my HP, the people around me and reality - will always require work. If I do the work, I get a stay of execution or as the book calls it a "daily reprieve". If I stop doing the work - it doesn't mean I'll be struck drunk, but eventually I"ll get in enough pain to where I need a solution. What will that solution be ? A drink ? or ... Back to work through the 164 ? I hope I don't leave the solution to find out.

10-07-2012, 04:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
muvinon Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 541	I have recovered from the hopeless state, alcoholism. However, part of my own spiritual fitness is to continue to grow, mature spiritually, and continue to change the way I react to life, so in that sense, I'm always going to be recovering. And, yes, I agree that this is "one of those" debate questions. I prefer to ask my higher power upon awakening, "OK, so is this one of those days when I'm recovered or am I going to be recovering today?"

10-07-2012, 07:15 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mark75 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 6,823	It is so awesome, that our highway of recovery is so broad. That we can assume the posture of recovered and as long as we stay spiritually fit, through our own unique understanding of God, and don't drink, we can stay that way, recovered..... Or that we are recovering and that spiritually fit means, on some levels, that we see our journey of recovery as never complete. There is room for all of us!

10-07-2012, 07:18 AM	#10 (permalink)
newby1961 Trudging that road. Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Seattle Wa Posts: 6,837 Blog Entries: 1	I was at a meeting kinda like the one Boleo referred to. There was a member that said, "When this topic comes up I have to not fall into the debate, and if I do it is like mind masturbation." My mind can really mess with me on this topic so as long as I know I can't pick up I guess to me it doesn't matter. I really love how Boleo put it when he said about the gunshot. Never heard it put that way but it is simple and my mind can grasp that so

10-07-2012, 07:53 AM	#11 (permalink)
Db1105 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: De Posts: 631	I'm another who finds this debate a waste of time. It really doesn't matter to me what others do. All I know is that if I want to live, I can never drink alcohol again.

10-07-2012, 01:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
paul99 Fellow Traveler and Seeker Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,794	I use recovered, but I am not going to get into a battle royale with someone over a suffix. If they say they are "recovering" that's fine. Whatever it is I call myself, as long as I am sober, and living a spiritually fit life, helping others, then that's all that matters.

10-07-2012, 01:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
bbthumper Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,152	I prefer to go by the book. Im recovered. They use recovering one time in reference to a new man. The word recovered is used several times. In fact, in working with others we are instructed to "introduce yourself as a man who has recovered." I feel it offers more hope to a newcomer to know they can recover. I will never be cured, but I no longer suffer from a hopeless state of mind and body. __________________ *~BBThumper* ~All Big Book Quotes from the 1st edition A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell. C. S. Lewis

10-07-2012, 06:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
Tommyh Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 18,977	recovered and one day at a time,I can stay that way if I live 10-12 the best I can recovered means the symthons have been removed

10-08-2012, 12:27 AM	#16 (permalink)
TheJungianThing Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 443	Peter M gives a good analogy. If I get shot in the leg, I can recover. I'll be "recovered" from a gunshot wound. Doesn't mean I'm bulletproof.

10-08-2012, 02:09 AM	#17 (permalink)
shaun00 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: uk Posts: 2,509	My mind and body is no longer in a hopeless state. Ive had a monumental shift in my thinking and outlook. I am a recovered alcoholic.... Some may have a problem with this .... maybe they hear the word "cured".

10-08-2012, 01:45 PM	#18 (permalink)
CarolD Forward we go...side by side Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Serene In Dixie Posts: 37,601	After 10 AA years I noticed I was thinking of myself as recovered..and have continueed to do so now on year 23 In meetings before I share I say...."Carol here alcholic " I don't care how others identify themselves...just glad to see them in the program... __________________ Each Day Sober Is A Victory!! Joy In AA Recovery!

10-08-2012, 04:31 PM	#19 (permalink)
yeahgr8 Member Pacman Turbo Champion! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,038 Blog Entries: 8	I am recovered...no way am i getting into a convo with a non-alcoholic and saying recovering! My mental obsession was lifted from me and i recovered. I've met lots of people that say they are recovering and it generally is based on fear, God forbid you should say you are recovered because then the booze bogeyman (the devil, the voice, whatever) might come and make you drink a beer to teach you a lesson and before you know it you have relapsed...i mean c'mon read the BB it's all in there on how to recover:-)

10-09-2012, 01:08 PM	#20 (permalink)
Lily Grateful Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Midwest Posts: 2,504 Blog Entries: 11	I personally called myself "recovering" for over 20 yrs in and out of the rooms. It wasn't until I truly had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps that I was able to call myself "Recovered." This has happened in my life! "We will see that our new attitude toward liquor has been given us without any thought or effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality - safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is our experience. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit spiritual condition." (page 85)

Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)